Indicator gauge with illuminated pointer

Abstract

An indicator pointer is arranged between a dial board and a viewing window so as to swingably move over the face of the dial board in response to rotation of a spindle of a movement of the indicator gauge. Illuminating means such as a light emitting diode (LED) is disposed in the pointer to illuminate a relatively large portion of the pointer. Opaque paint is coated on the front surface of the pointer to conceal the illuminating means.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An indicator gauge having a spindle of a movement, a dial board substantially perpendicular to said spindle, and a viewing in front of said dial board, said indicator gauge comprising: an indicator pointer of a transparent material arranged between said dial board and said viewing window, said pointer being formed with first and second surfaces which respectively face said dial board and said viewing window, said first surface being matted;   illuminating means disposed in said pointer for emitting light rays when electrically energized;   a first conductive cylindrical member mounted on an end of said spindle;   a second conductive cylindrical member coaxially and spacedly disposed around said first conductive member to form therebetween a tubular clearance, said first and second conductive cylindrical members being individually and electrically connected to said illuminating means;   a tubular insulating member tightly disposed in said tubular clearance, a unit of said first and second conductive cylindrical members and said insulating member being forcedly disposed in a blind bore formed in said pointer;   a plurality of conductive pins having respective enlarged head portions which are forcedly disposed in a circular groove formed in an exposed end of said second conductive cylindrical member;   a tubular insulating member disposed about said spindle to put on the cylindrical surface thereof said pins;   a first spiral spring disposed about said spindle and connecting at its inside end to said spindle; and   a second spiral spring disposed about said pins and connecting at its inside end to at least one of said pins,   said first and second spiral springs being individually and electrically connected to an electrical power source.   
     
     
       2. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 1, further comprising cover means affixed to said second surface of said pointer to conceal said illuminating means. 
     
     
       3. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 1, in which said pointer is formed at the other end thereof with an inclined section where the light rays from said illuminating means are reflected toward said viewing window. 
     
     
       4. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 1, in which said illuminating means is disposed in said blind bore of said pointer. 
     
     
       5. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 4, in which said blind bore has a flat surface which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of said pointer so that light rays from said illuminating means are reflected at said flat surface to be directed toward said matted surface on said first surface of said pointer. 
     
     
       6. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 5, in which said flat surface is inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis of said pointer. 
     
     
       7. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 4, in which said illuminating means is attached to said first conductive cylindrical member. 
     
     
       8. An indicator gauge as claimed in claim 2, in which said cover means is opaque paint.